We shall see.

Let’s recap Wednesday night’s performances in a 90 minute part one of a two night, two part finale.

First up, Josh Krajcik performed Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited”, which was a weird song choice for him. But if that wasn’t bad enough, an uninvited Alanis Morissette herself show up from backstage to join him in a duet!  Then it just got even more weird. I thought that the finalists would have gone it alone considering this was their last chance for votes! Josh has been one of my favorites the entire season, but whatever.

Next up, my young homie, I mean Chris Rene performed Arvil Lavigne’s “Complicated”, which this show was quickly becoming. I mean really? This is his song choice?  It was downright awful and Chris sounded like he had just ran the Boston Marathon!  And then (of course she was going to be there) he goes, “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve been waiting for … Avril Lavigne.”  I’m not sure who he was talking to, but Arvil Lavigne is not now or ever will be a moment I will be waiting for.  They’re kinda cute together, almost like they might have been in rehab together, but even Lavigne can’t sing this on key.

At this point, they could have just called the rest of the show off and gave the $5 million to Melanie Amaro!

And speaking of Melanie Amaro, she comes out and performs R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly”. The song was fine, maybe even too safe for her at this point, and she sounds great as usual. And of course out comes R. Kelly. All I kept thinking is that she is singing with the guy who was accused of child pornography!  The whole thing was creepy. AND he looked stoned the whole time. Oh, and R. tells us that was the first time he ever performed it as a duet. Big whoop!

Judge L.A. Reid had this to say about the performance: “That is one of the most important songs of the last 50 years.” I almost fell on the floor with that one!  Let me get this right. One of the most important songs of the last 50 years is from the movie “Space Jam.”  Wow!  I know if I were to sit here and make a list of the most important songs from the last 50 years, I don’t think “I Believe I Can Fly” would crack the top 1000.

Round one definitely went to, hands down, Melanie Amaro.

Josh Krajcik  kicked off round two with Etta James’ “At Last” which he performed in his original audition. My mind went back to that audition and I still see Simon cowell’s eyes rolling up in his head until Josh actually opened his mouth. I was a little worried at this point that they were going to roll out the now terminally ill Etta out on the stage. They did not. But Josh nailed it again!  He definitely more than made up for the train wreck in the first half of the program. But, would it be enough?

Next up, Chris Rene performed his original song “Young Homey”, which he also performed in his first audition.  A smart song choice, even though I felt that I heard the song enough. Again, I don’t know if it was nerves, but he sounded out of breath again. I like Chris as a person, and I believe he could be a great song writer, but as far as singing talent he is light-years behind Josh and Melanie. But good job overall this season.

And finally, keeping with the theme, Melanie Amaro’s final performance of the night was Beyonce’s “Listen”, which was her first audition song. When I saw Melanie’s first audition I remember thinking that this was the best audition I had ever heard on a singing competition show.  And I’ll be damned if she didn’t nail it again!

Now it’s on to the results show! I’m sure you’re dying to find out who took home the $5 million prize! But to do so, you’ll have to read my next blog by clicking here!

I’ll race ya!

Michael Queenstown

Hey! You made it! Good to see you! I beat you here, but then again I was here long before I asked you to click the link in my previous blog to get here. Yeah, it’s confusing to me too, but just go with it.

Anyway, I know you’re here to find out who won the very first U.S. X Factor. I thought to myself, “Self, how in the hell is it going to take two hours to tell one of these three people that they won a $5 million recording contract?” But that’s exactly what they did! The evening opened with the final 12 acts, including the three groups (sorry Paula), teaming up to sing ”Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. I was kind of hoping for a surprise guest appearance by the Lady herself, but no such luck. Then, the top three got festive for the holidays.

Melanie Amaro sang the worst Christmas song in the world with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. She also received well wishes from her relatives including her grandmother.

Chris Rene performed ”Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, and at one point I was afraid he was going to change the words to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Young Homie”. But he didn’t. He, heard from his friends and son. He cried, and said if he were to win, “The possibilities are endless.”

Josh Krajcik sang  ”Please Come Home For Christmas” and sang it  in front of a woman in a giant snow globe, almost as if he was saying, “I know I won’t be winning, so I’m going out with a bang!”  He, too received well wishes via video from his friends and family. He smiled, wiped a tear, and said, “My life is beginning to make sense.”  I’m glad you think so, because the woman in the snow globe made absolutely no sense to me whatsoever!

Then for the halftime show, special guest Justin Bieber (who was signed to his first recording contract by none other than fellow X Factor judge and mentor, L.A. Reid) took center stage to perform “The Christmas Song”. During the second verse he was joined on keyboard and harmonica by extra super special guest Stevie Wonder.  “Biebs” stayed for an encore with a dancey version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and then invited 15 year old finalist (and Uber Beiber fan) Drew Ryniewicz to come onstage to sing and get a hug.

After all the holiday cheer, it was back to business, as the third-place finalist was sent home. By no means a surprise to me, it was Chris Rene.  He seemed to take the news well and said, “I got to touch a lot of people out there. (I hope with only his story and music) I just gotta say thank you.”

“I’m still proud of Chris”, said L.A. Reid of his mentee.

Can we just give the $5 million contract to someone already?!?!

It was down to Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik, but before the results were revealed, we were treated to The X Factor’s top five memorable moments. The night Rachel Crow was sent home was No. 1. I hope it was because she is such a great kid with a phenomenal voice at age 14, and it was very shocking that she was sent home before the final 3. Rachel came back on stage and told host Steve Jones that she was going to steal his job and introduced the 2006 X Factor U.K. winner Leona Lewis who sang “Run” by Snow Patrol.

The halftime show continued with a video montage of judges and mentors L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell bickering, L.A. Lakers player Derek Fisher introducing 50 Cent, who performed “Wait Until Tonight” and “In Da Club” with dancers and more Lakers. Finalist and young rapper Astro joined the party. At some point during this train wreck I was hoping that famous Laker fan Jack Nicholson was going to come out on stage, but unfortunately that never happened.Another video montage this time of crying jags by judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger was shown followed by Pitbull and Ne-Yo who performed “International Love” and “Give Me Everything” complete with sexy dancers (I’m sure Simon was thrilled with that) and fourth-place finisher Marcus Canty.

FINALLY, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik took the stage for one last duet on David Bowie’s “Heroes”.

At last (as Etta James might say) the winner was announced: Melanie Amaro!

Runner-up Josh Krajcik said, “I feel amazing. Melanie deserves it.”  Mentor Nicole Scherzinger said of  Josh, “I couldn’t be any more proud of him.”

So, bragging rights for season one of  The X Factor U.S. go to Melanie’s mentor and judge Simon Cowell. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s also the creator of the show and putting up the $5 million contract!

To close the show, (and I love it when these shows make the winners sing after being crowned and are too emotional to even speak let alone sing), Melanie sang Beyoncé’s “Listen”, as she did the night before and in her first audition. She missed some of the words this time, but that was expected since she couldn’t stop blubbering, but composed herself and was joined by her fellow finalists. Melanie shouted, “Thank you so much! God is good! This is something I’ve wanted for all my life!”

“We came here to find a superstar, and we found a superstar,” Simon Cowell said.

Now that Season One of The X Factor U.S. is over, do you think Melanie Amaro was the most deserving winner?

See you Next Time!

As always, thanks for reading!

Michael Queenstown

The Final Three were selected on Thursday (December 15) night’s exciting episode of The X Factor (U.S.). There were no last chances this night, no singing for your life. America chose who went home, and no one else. Florence and the Machine performed and then it was time to get to some results.

With some 30 million votes cast this week according to host Steve Jones, the first two acts to go through to next week’s final were Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene.  Paula Abdul picked her favorites from Wednesday night as being Josh Krajcik  and Chris Rene. 

Now we have Josh Krajcik and Marcus Canty.  Marcus is no stranger to being in the bottom two, which is where he has spent the last three weeks in a row, but managed to send front runners Drew Ryniewicz and Rachel Crow to get to tonight’s semi-finals.  Unfortunately, the boys would have to sit through a performance by judge Nicole Scherzinger who premiered her new song “Pretty”.  Afterward, judge Simon Cowell commented the performance and mocked her weird judging style by telling her, “I believe in you, you believe in me, you transcend the universe, God is smiling on you, life is a waterfall, and you are the ultimate rainbow.”

Now Steve Jones would reveal that the final act making it to the finals next week with Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene was Josh Krajcik!  Marcus Canty’s luck finally ran out as the 20-year-old from Bowie, Maryland was FINALLY voted off the show one week away from the finale. Marcus smiled and said, “It’s not over, just trust me. This is not the last time you will see Marcus Canty. I gave it my all, and that’s really, at the end of the day, that’s all you can do.” Judge L.A. Reid, Marcus’ mentor, said, “I think you’re a major star. I know you’ll continue to do great.”

Time will tell on that one, L.A.

I could not be more satisfied with the final three. How bout you? Did the right acts make it to the finals next week? Should Marcus have gone to the finals? Well, he isn’t, so get over it. Kidding.

Talk to you next week during the exciting final!

As always

Michael Queenstown

Well, kids, we’ve made it to the semi-finals of the inaugural season of the American version of  The X Factor. With two very shocking back-to-back eliminations (Drew Ryniewicz and Rachel Crow) and Marcus Canty STILL in the race we’re down to the final four. And, America…YOU picked the songs the contestants sang. As like last week, each of the contestants performed two songs apiece.

First up, Marcus Canty performs Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love To You.”  His usual pitch problems notwithstanding,Marcus did an okay job with it in his usual soulful self. Does that count as a threesome? “You sang it well. My only issue is your mentor is responsible for the staging,” says Simon. “With the zombie dancers, it didn’t fit. It was very distracting.”

The home viewer had Chris Rene Sugar Ray’s 1997 hit “Fly.”  It was decent, but after his original song last week, this one just meet my expectations of Chris at this stage of the competition. Paula said, “You don’t look like a million bucks. You look like $5 million bucks…after taxes!” Who are you and what have you done with Paula Abdul!?

Next up, America assigned Melanie Amaro to sing Mariah Carey’s “Hero”.  In my opinion, this was by far her most powerful performance yet! I had chills the entire time!  ”That was really good. I can’t criticize the song choice,” says LA. “But what did concern me was when you started, I didn’t feel your usual passion.” I must admit begrudgingly, that I agreed with L.A. on this one.

Rounding out the final four in round one was Josh Krajcik with America’s choice of  The Beatles “Come Together” , which, In my opinion, he nailed as he always does with that raspy Joe Cocker-esque voice of his. This is the kind of album this guy should make. And I believed that HE believed every word he sang. ”I’ve got to hand it to you. You’ve come back, and you’ve come back strong this week,” says Simon. “I think it would be a massive shame if you don’t make the final next week.”

It seems as though the producers don’t trust the viewers at home to pick the second song, and that privilege has been revoked. Just like the “technical snafu” from last week!

So with that being said, Marcus Canty kicks off round two with a remix thing of George Michael’s “Never Gonna Dance Again.” And it works for him. It starts out slow, then transitions to a high-energy dance track. I could have done without the dancers. Also, lose the all-white suit. And what the hell was going on with L.A. during that performance? He looked like he was having a seizure!  Nicole (who hopefully won’t be back next season) said, ”That is an unexpected song but I love that you did your thing on it,” says Nicole. “I loved the production, the dancers and everything. To me, you’re already a champion and a winner.” Oh, yeah, she needs to go.

Chris Rene at a piano performs Alicia Keys’ “No One”, for his second attempt.  And quite frankly, it was great!  He needs to ditch the rap crap and perform this type of music all the time. Who would have thought? Simon says, “I said on an earlier song you’ve got to come out and deliver, and you just delivered big time.”

Melanie Amaro, the only female performer left in the competition if you don’t count Squiddly and Diddly (Nicole and Paula) performed an unusual choice for her in ”Feelin’ Good” and…it was amazing. I would have to say this performance was my favorite of the night probably the best of the evening, and the judges all agreed with me. “You have everything it takes. I love the song choice,” says LA. “You killed it, girl.”

Josh Krajcik wraps up the evenings festivities at the piano (what’s with the piano tonight?) with “Hallelujah.” This was at least a two tissue performance. This performance literally reached out of my TV and bitch-slapped me! Watch out, Melanie! If these two don’t make it to the final, I’ll turn in my stars and stripes and move to Canada! An overcome Paula, says, “This guy is the performer that opens up his heart and gives every ounce of himself. I’ve never seen a contestant quite like you Josh.”

SO…who had the best performance of the night? Who are YOUR final three? Who is going home and who is going to the finals next week?? My gut feeling is Josh, Melanie and Chris are going to the finale!

I’ll be back with my results show recap in a later blog.

Stay Tuned!

Always,

Michael Queenstown

Thursday evening’s show started with a Lenny Kravitz performance of “Rock Star City Life,” a song from his just-released “Black and White America” album.

Host Steve Jones reminded us of the $5 million contract awaiting the winner and that next week would see the semi-finals of this dramatic competition, and to wish all of the judges “the best of luck.”  Wish the judges the best of luck?? Ohhhhhh, that’s right! This isn’t one of the contestants future at stake here. It’s some judge’s ego. Well, except for Paula Abdul’s of course, since she no longer has a horse in this race.

Let’s get to the results, shall we?

The first to be told he was one of the final four was Josh Krajcik. This only proves to me that Josh is one of the people’s favorite even after BOTH of his lackluster performances on Wednesday night. I believe Josh is definitely a front runner and will be in the finals. The next to be sent to the final four, and whom I think is the the dark horse in the competition was Chris Rene. After Simon Cowell called his choosing to perform an original song Wednesday night “A stroke of genius”, it was no surprise to me that he would go to the final 4.

Now, down to just Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro and Marcus Canty, the tension was palpable. Would Simon’s final two ladies be singing against each other for their X Factor lives?

The singer spared the sing-off was Melanie Amaro, leaving Rachel Crow and Marcus Canty to sing for their lives. Who would be going to the final 4 and one step closer to that coveted $5 million recording contract? This should have been a slam-dunk-no-brainer for Rachel and Marcus will finally be sent home, right??

Marcus sang Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Going Down” a song befitting what should have been his final performance. And what a coincidence considering Blige herself had just performed a track from her current album earlier on the show. Rachel reprised her soulful version of Etta Jame’s “I’d Rather Go Blind”, in a last ditch effort to stay in the competition.

With both L.A. Reid (even after admitting that Rachel had the better performance, but is loyal to Marcus) and Simon Cowell supporting their own candidates, the decision was once more down to the two gals, or as Simon dubbed them, “Squiddly and Diddly.”

With Paula voting to send Marcus home, it was then down to Nicole, who, through her tears, deliberately sent Rachel home so she wouldn’t have to deal with the guilt of sending Marcus home. This meant the burden of having to pick between the two went to the voting public.

Rachel told the blubbering idiot Nicole, “Please don’t cry. I’m good with anything.”

So the elimination round AGAIN went in favor of Marcus Canty sending the 13-year old Rachel Crow home. She immediately dropped to the floor in a tearful heap, that was almost too much for me to bear. Host Steve Jones, who makes me actually miss Ryan Seacrest, made Marcus, who visibly tried to console Rachel, stand offstage with the other 3 contestants as Rachel’s mom, her mentor Simon Cowell, and L.A. Reid joined her on stage.  Paula Abdul stayed at the judges table to console Nicole Scherzinger, who, even though the people voted to keep Marcus, could have and should have sent Marcus home. They eventually joined the rest on stage, but the crowd literally booed Nicole right back off again.

“Without you, I am nothing,” Rachel said to her fans as a farewell. “This is not the ending.”

A dazed and confused (remember Drew?) Simon Cowell could only utter, “We’re going to be hearing a lot more from Rachel Crow.”

Yes we certainly will, Simon. We certainly will.

Of course, the wrong finalist was sent home. I know Rachel got fewer votes than Marcus, but Nicole Scherzinger should have done the obvious by voting to send Marcus home and not puss out. Is she just out to get all of Simon’s contestants out of the race? Nicole, if you’re so incapable of making grown-up decisions like this, you should not be a judge! I know it’s not humanly possible, but maybe you should “grow a pair”.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

See you after the final four!

As Always,

Michael Queenstown

This week, the remaining five contestants had to perform twice. In my earlier blog, I ran down the contestants’ first song choices in the category of Dance Music.

Remember the twist I mentioned in my first blog? Well as host Steve Jones put it, “There was an error in communication with the song selections here on the show, so we’ve had to move the Pepsi Challenge songs to next week.” The second song our singers were supposed to be performing tonight were songs selected by the viewers. The audience was not amused. Big whoop, I thought. Instead, the contestants will sing a song that they’ve chosen — but they’ve only had 24 hours to prepare because everyone just found out last night. Sounds like someone in production will be looking for a new gig. Steve warns that since they haven’t had much time to prepare, the pressure right now is incredible. Again, I say Big Whoop!

Melanie starts us off again, this time with the Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey “When You Believe”.  It seems she really can do no wrong. Overall it was a top-notch performance for her. “You really thought of that last night and it was that good?” says LA. “That was unbelievable.” L.A. also thought it was “safe” for her to do as well. Maybe. Nicole got “goosebumps all over” and Paula can “close her eyes and hear Whitney and Mariah”. Simon said she sang it brilliantly but is afraid that if she winds up in the bottom tomorrow night, she will face the same fate as Drew did last week.

Marcus sings “A Song for You”. It wasn’t the best vocally, but it was far better than I thought he was capable of. “Thank you for reminding us all why we fell in love with you from the start,” says Nicole. “You remind me of a young Al Green, which means your talent is timeless.”  L.A. claims this is Marcus’ comeback, Paula claimed it was “one of his best performances”, while Simon thought it was good, but wished he would have put his own spin on it.

“Music and Me,” by Michael Jackson, was Rachel’s second song. Definitely the better of the 2 songs for her tonight. “I love that you picked that song for yourself,” says LA. “You’re the star we always knew you were.” Nicole said, “You have an old soul. You’re an old soul in a 13 year old”. Can someone get Cheryl Cole back, please!? Rachel said her mission is to inspire other kids, to which Paula said, “You are a wonderful role model. You’re every girl’s best friend and every parent’s daydream and you’re lucky to have this guy (referring to Simon).” Simon replied, “Just keep away from her Paula, she’s doing just fine, thank you”.

“Something” by The Beatles was Josh’s second choice. As the last remaining “Over 30′s” contestant, he has a better understanding of himself as an artist. Not my favorite performance of his, but it was an undeniably good song choice. “Compared to the first song I think this was a massive improvement,” Simon tells him. “I think when you watch it back you looked actually insane halfway through it. Like your eyes were rolling.” “Really good, but slightly karaoke,” said L.A. Paula said, “Words can’t describe how special you are. We’re lucky to have found you.”

And we finally come to the final performer of the evening in Chris Rene.  As in his original audition, he has decided to sing an original song called “Where Do We Go From Here?” My first response would be “to the bottom two”, but I might have to say this was the performance of the night! He sat on a stool and accompanied himself on a guitar. It’s probably just the guitar, but does he look hot tonight or what? Much to my surprise, I really like the performance. He makes you forget he’s the half-rapper/half-singer dude. “The world works in mysterious ways, Chris. Had that glitch not happened, you wouldn’t have been singing this song,” says Paula. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. God bless you.” “Amazing”, said Nicole. “I could not be more proud”, said L.A. “At this stage of the show, five million dollars at stake, one step away from the semi-finals and you decide to sing your own song”, said Simon. “That is either stupidity or a stroke of genius.” Simon calls the song a stroke of genius. This performance might have just single-handedly saved him from elimination tomorrow.

What did you think? Who had the best overall performance tonight? Who will be going home tomorrow?

Leave me a reply.

I’ll be right back here with the results tomorrow night!

Until then

Michael Queenstown

The first song of the night from the remaining five contestants had to be a dance number.  Host Steve Jones said there was to be a twist for the contestants in the second half of the show. Wonder what it was? Keep reading to find out. It’s not really as exciting as it may sound.

To start things off, Melanie took on a dance remix of Adele’s “Someone Like You”.  A no-brainer, right?  Maybe a bit too safe, even?  She was her flawless usual self, but the back-up dancers and pyrotechnics were a bit too much, even by MY standards. “You looked and sounded like the rock star diva that you are tonight,” said Nicole. L.A. commented, “The only thing that bothered me about that performance is that it was really good.” Paula said “It was too short”. Paula, ALL the songs in round 1 were short!  Simon told Melanie, “You would have a hit record with that version”.

Marcus Canty was up next with Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody (Love Me Better)”. Marcus has been in the bottom for the last two weeks in a row, and has been saved by the judges both times by sending Lakoda Rain and Drew home packing, so he has his work cut out for him this week. We all know he doesn’t have the strongest voice in the competition, but is gaining more confidence as an all-around performer. “You took us to church and the dance club at the same time”, said Nicole. Really? See, this is why I miss Cheryl Cole so much. She would have been a way better judge.  ”"It’s an even playing field and you performed like the first time we saw you”, said Paula. “I have to say that was a very, very good performance. You came back strong,” said Simon. L.A. said “We need people to vote, vote, vote”. Something tells me L.A. isn’t liking Marcus’ chances right now. Neither am I.

Next up, little miss marvelous Rachel Crow performed B.O.B.’s “Nothin’ on You,” and while I think it wasn’t the best song choice, I still love this girl’s chances for the semi-finals. Paula said, “You are just beautifully fearless. Your vocal depth transcends all generations. You nailed it, and I’m so proud of you.”  ”You are such a little star”, claimed L.A.  Both Nicole and Simon liked the song choice. Nicole said she was waiting for the Rachel Crow Doll, complete with her own bathroom. Simon said he was waiting for the Nicole VooDoo Doll as he was mimicking sticking needles in it.

In an unusual and unexpected move, Josh Krajcik, who took on Rihanna’s “We Found Love”. Now, there’s no question that Josh couldn’t be further from a dance music performer, but he actually pulled it off! This guy can sing ANYTHING!  Apparently, I watched a different performance than the judges. “I could never really see you doing this song. So I didn’t buy it,” said LA. Simon agreed, and slams Nicole’s song choice. Paula of course disagreed with the boys and said “you can sing anything. You nailed it”. Thank you, Paula! Nicole agreed. Simon agreed with L.A., which I’m sure thrilled him, and said he was lucky to have a second song later in the show.

A Rihanna hit, “Live Your Life”, is performed by Chris Rene, completing the first round. I found it to be very shaky and quite frankly unimpressive. He does the half-singing/half-rapping thing he always does, while gliding across the stage on what appeared to be a mini-treadmill. Simon said “I’m not gonna say you’re the best singer because you’re not, but as an overall potential recording artist… I think you are doing brilliant.”

I can’t wait for the next five performances! What about you?

Check out the next blog!

Until Next Time,

As Always,

Michael Queenstown

If you’re a fan of westerns, then you also know that Morgan also appeared in such films as The Ox-Bow Incident, High Noon, Bend of the River, How the West Was Won (as Ulysses S. Grant), The Shootist, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Support Your Local Sheriff! and Support Your Local Gunfighter!  He also co-starred with Richard Boone in the 1972-74 Western TV series Hec Ramsey. For all these accomplishments, Morgan was inducted into the “Hall of Great Western Performers” at the “National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum” in 2006. He also appeared as Officer Bill Gannon on the television crime series “Dragnet” from 1967 to 1970, alongside Jack Webb. But it was his role on “M*A*S*H,”  in which he appeared from 1975 (replacing McLean Stevenson) until 1983 that earned him his most fame, including an Emmy Award in 1980.

During a 1983 news conference after taping the final episode of “M*A*S*H,” which became the most-watched show in the history of U.S. television, a tearful Morgan told reporters, “I’m feeling very sad and sentimental. I don’t know if ‘M*A*S*H’ made me a better actor but I know it made me a better human being.”

“I’d like to be remembered for being a fairly pleasant person and for having gotten along for the most part with a lot of the people I’ve worked with. And for having a wonderful life and for having enjoyed practically every minute of it…I think I’m one of the luckiest people in the world”, he told The Archive Of American Television in 2004.

Morgan was married twice and had four children with his first wife, Eileen, who died in 1985 after the two had been together 45 years. One of his sons, Daniel, died in 1989.  Morgan is survived by his second wife, Barbara Bushman, three surviving sons, and eight grandchildren.

R.I.P. Harry Morgan. You will always be “Colonel Potter” to me.

As Always,

Michael Queenstown

Billy Williams, Santo’s former teammate as well as Hall member was on the 16-member Committee. Joining Williams on the committee were Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, Ralph Kiner, Tommy Lasorda, Juan Marichal, Brooks Robinson, Don Sutton, major league executives Paul Beeston, Bill DeWitt, Roland Hemond, Gene Michael and Al Rosen, along with veteran media members Dick Kaegel, Jack O’Connell and Dave Van Dyck.

Santo needed a minimum of 12 votes, or 75-percent. He received 15 of the 16 votes cast. I would hate to know who the 1 vote against was.

I was watching the ceremony at Wrigley Field the afternoon when the Cubs retired Santo’s No. 10. At that time he claimed that was his Hall of Fame. Now, he joins Cubs teammates Williams, Ernie Banks and Fergie Jenkins, who are already among Cooperstown’s elite.

A nine-time All-Star, Ron Santo played 15 seasons from 1960-74, and is one of four players who had 2,000 hits, 300 home runs and 1,300 RBIs in that time period, joining (now it can be said) fellow Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson and former teammate Billy Williams. He drove in 93-plus runs in eight straight seasons, and from 1960-74 racked up 1,331 runs batted in. A recipient of five Gold Glove Awards, he was one of only two third basemen to to achieve this feat as well as hit more than 300 home runs. The other was Mike Schmidt, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

The announcement on Monday was bittersweet, as it came a little over a year since Ron Santo passed away, and it is sad that he could not be here to enjoy this long overdue and deserving honor. One day we’re all going to die. That’s just a simple fact. But, there will always be a third baseman who proudly wore Cubbie Blue emblazoned with the number 10 gracing the halls of Cooperstown for generations to come.

There will always be major league baseball Hall of Famer Ron Santo.

Until next time,

As Always

Michael Queenstown

Now, in the results show the top three — Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene and Rachel Crow — went straight through to the next round, leaving Drew (Ryniewicz), Josh Krajcik, Astro and Marcus Canty in the bottom. As I suspected, Josh made it through to the final 5, and Astro said his good-byes. Now Drew and Marcus had to sing for their survival. Drew, overcome with emotion, chose Roxette’s “Listen to Your Heart” while Marcus laid it on the line by performing the Gladys Knight & the Pip’s “Neither One of Us”.  Simon did the right thing by choosing to send Marcus home (who else would he pick?) but his fellow judges did not feel the same way. So Drew, by a vote of 3-1 was sent home.

“I think she’s a little star and I think America knows she’s going to be a star” exclaimed Simon Cowell. Both America and I know Simon is right. Well, it’s down to The Final 5, America!

What did you think? Did Drew deserve to go home? Could she have made the finale? And who do you think will be the next cast-off?

Until next time,

As always

Michael Queenstown